Keurig Dr Pepper has announced that it will voluntarily withdraw Peñafiel unflavored mineral spring water imported from Mexico, due to the presence of violative levels of arsenic. Arsenic, when present in the diet at levels above those detected in recent samples of Peñafiel, is associated with numerous chronic diseases. Water quality tests of Peñafiel samples conducted by an independent laboratory on behalf of Keurig Dr Pepper detected arsenic at levels that exceeded the FDA’s bottled water standards for mineral water of 10 ppb.
All unflavored Peñafiel mineral spring water products, including 600 mL and 1.5-liter PET bottles, are included in this voluntary withdrawal. The Company has notified retailers that it will work with them to remove the product from the market.
Arsenic is found in nature, including in aquifers that are the source of mineral water. Levels can vary over time. According to the company, Keurig Dr Pepper has recently installed enhanced filtration systems at its facilities that produce Peñafiel, and the product now being produced is well within regulatory guidelines.
No other Keurig Dr Pepper products are impacted by this voluntary removal. KDP is a leading coffee and beverage company in North America, with annual revenue in excess of $11 billion. The Company employs more than 25,000 employees and operates more than 120 offices, manufacturing plants, warehouses and distribution centers across North America.